A domestic drama performed in Mandarin that focuses on the breakdown between a couple whilst commenting on larger themes of racism, migration and cultural assimilation. Rating
Ok
In the confines of a London flat, a young Chinese couple argue. Neither is really listening to the other. Bathroom is a domestic drama that interrogates their relationship issues whilst also integrating broader issues such as migration and racism.
The play is mainly performed in Mandarin with English surtitles projected above, a welcomed surprise but this is not mentioned in the play’s description online. The small space of the theatre is used in its entirety, which poses a problem for non-Mandarin speakers when action occurs stage left, resulting in missing some of the acting due to needing to read the surtitles above.
Language becomes the forefront of disconnection between the two. They don’t listen to each other, they misinterpret, they project their own ideas onto the other, they accuse and spout hurtful words. Neither is right or wrong, but both are written as flawed characters trapped in a push and pull dynamic. Writer Yijing Zou’s dialogue is colloquial and natural, emulating arguments and conversations that feel real. By focusing on a singular couple, the play allows for a deep interrogation of themselves and each other.
Language too becomes important to how they are treated as migrants. Shiming Liang (Bowen Sun) experiences racism in daily life. Siwen Yao (Jinyu Dan) recounts how she is criticised for her imperfect English. References to British culture are used both as jokes and as a stark criticism of the treatment of migrants, as they try to adapt to a culture that doesn’t welcome them. These themes are implied rather than explicit, woven into their dynamic as another layer of strain in their relationship. Both Sun and Dan offer strong performances, particularly in moments of intimacy and affection. They have good chemistry on stage, which translate well into the convincing characterisations of a couple caught in mismatch whilst still harbouring love for each other.
Ruoqi Zhu’s set design is clever in its creation of a suffocating, small London flat, that mirrors the couple’s rising tension. Whilst the main argument between the couple takes place in the titular bathroom, a kitchen and living room are also utilised, yet I am still left wondering why the space of the bathroom is intrinsic to the play’s premise. It could be any space of the flat, removed from the exposure of the public eye, that would emulate the same sentiment.
Video and sound projection is also used throughout. A white British man’s face is projected, shouting racial abuse. Words fall as water in the shower. Texts between Siwen and a colleague who is a bit too friendly pop up on screen. Sound effects like a beer being guzzled or a door locking, both which are acted on the stage, slightly takes one out of the immersion. All these components feel a bit visually overwhelming in Etcetera Theatre’s small space.
Bathroom uses language tactfully to operate on multiple fronts as a way of exploring breakdowns in relationships and the way in which it can be used to cause emotional harm.
The play sets itself apart from other domestic dramas in its broader themes of migration, cultural assimilation and racism; it is a relevant play given the current climate in Britain.
Directed and written by: Yijing Zou
Produced by: Quiannuo Lyu
Dramaturgy and production by: Qingchuan Fu
Set design by: Ruoqi Zhu and Yijie Cao
Associate set design: Ziyue Zhu
Lighting design by: Zitong Yin
Video and sound design by: Lishen Cai
Multimedia design by: Ruoqi Zhu
Bathroom has concluded its run at the Etcetera Theatre. It will be playing next at Edinburgh Fringe.
